Practical Info for flyfishing the Doubs

The Doubs is a typical chalk stream. Long pools with varied depth alternate
with shallow rapids. The gravel beds offer live capacity for a variety of water
plants, where the bigger fish find hiding places.

Quite easy access from Berne (90 km) or Basle (63 km), by car or by train.
Starting point for fishing trips is the medieval town of St. Ursanne or Soubey.

Description of the river: The part of the Doubs described
here is beginning where the river enters Switzerland near Soubey. Free flowing
in a nature reserve, the river is making his way in a green valley. A small
road is following the river, which makes access easier. Descending by boat is
possible, but the rocky rapids below Soubey are recommended only if you are
a very good canoeist. This upper part is the best place for trout. Below these
rapids, the road ends and you have to walk. By driving from St. Ursanne to Tariche
you can reach the middle part, which is best for grayling. From St. Ursanne
down to the Swiss border, the river gets slower and pike, perch and carp fish
dominate. Nevertheless- if you look for the very big Zebra
trout- that's your place.

Flyfishing technique: The river is fished best at a water
level of 10- 25m3 (water level: see official
hydrology data Ocourt/ Doubs. When the season starts, the water is cold
and in many years very high (not recommended for flyfishermen). Best fishing
is always when the temperature of water is reaching 12-14 Degrees Celsius. Then
the first hatches of smaller mayfly (sizes about 14) attract the grayling and
trout to rise from about 1000am until the evening. Cloudy days are always far
better, and miracles occur where you can see all the fish rising if you are
lucky to have light, warm rain. If you don't have these circumstances, you will
need a guide to find the fish near their hiding places- there's no day you will
not find a rising fish. Best fishing during the day is upstream fishing in the
shallow, fast flowing parts of the river. In the dryfly season use small sedges
or the typical "cul de canard" in sizes 14-18 (colour depending on
natural insects).

For dry flies we recommend the Winged CDC or Moustique du Jura from Swissflies

Excellent dry fly fishing on warm evenings from 2100- 2300
(mayflies,sedge). Nymphing is most effective for grayling with smaller nymphs
sizes 14- 22. For the bigger trout and pike, streamer may be effective (best
in slightly troubled water). For beginners a guide is strongly recommended,
and even the experienced are sometimes disappointed when the fish are very delicate.
On the Doubs, the trout may rise around you and if you don't find the right
fly, you have no chance. Use long leaders and small flies in quiet pools. The
most exciting fishing is the night fishing in June, when the big trout go for
the hatching sedge. You'll have to listen where the fish is, and often you will
be surprised how silent big fish can rise.

Guiding/ accomodation: Swiss Bamboo Rods offers services like
guiding and organises for you any type of accomodation. Equipment available
for rent (like bamboo or carbon rods, waders, vests, flies). Our lodge, the
Aschi's lodge situated in the small
town of Soubey up from St. Ursanne is open to our guests on request. One appartment
for two persons, the old wood house (big bed) or the group accomodation (up
to 6 people) welcome you.

Season: The Fishing season starts the first weekend in March
and ends on September 30. Best fishing is in May, June and September. Graylings
are protected.

Licenses (1 day or 1 week) can be bought in the fishing shop
in St. Ursanne and in many restaurants and hotels along the river.

Bag limit: There is no catch and release stretch, but daily
bag is limited to one trout from 30-36cm or more than 44cm. Dry fly only is
applied around Soubey in the upper part of the Swiss stretch of the Doubs.